October 20, 2009

A Roman cameo glass vase which has been unveiled by Bonhams as “the greatest classical find since the Portland Vase," according to a report in the Antiques Trade Gazette.

Strikingly similar to the Portland Vase, one of the British Museum’s greatest treasures, it is larger, in better condition and with superior decoration, say Bonhams, who believe it could be the most important artefact of its kind in the world. Indeed, there is strong evidence that it is cut by the same hand.

Chantelle Rountree, head of antiquities at Bonhams, said: “It is of major international importance. Academically and artistically it is priceless. Scholars will be evaluating this find for decades.”

Yes it is the best and i agree that this is the classical find since the Portland Vase,which is also used primarily for the production of vessels, although mosaic tiles and window glass were also produced. Roman glass production developed from Hellenistic technical traditions,so a great find this is picture is awesome to see.

I agree we need to work together on these issues, but as long as progressives remain attached to the Democrat party and libertarians to the Republicans, nothing will get done. The most important thing we need to agree on is that the 2-party system has to go. As long as politics is set up as a one-on-one, winner-take-all system, cooperation of this sort will be difficult. Both ideologies need to realize that neither party is on their side.